Voltage-Level Indicator

Three-terminal regulator device (LM78LXX) has Vout = Vm until the input rises 1.5 to 2 V above the output when the

regulated voltage Vreg = XX is obtained. A differential of 1.5 V between input and output is necessary to light the LED. Thus, the LED lights when Vm rises above Vreg + IR + 1.5 V, where lis typically 6 mA (a zener diode could be used in place of R). For input voltages much higher than necessary to light the LED, a current-limiting resistor in series might be necessary. A useful automotive application is shown in Fig. 14-9(b). The circuit indicates when battery voltage is above 13.5 V which indicates (in conjunction with an ammeter) whether the alternator/regulator/battery system is operating correctly. With the engine off, the battery voltage drops to 12 V and the LED extinguishes. The circuit requires no calibration.